Mount Anak Krakatau Eruption: These are the Ministry of Tourism's Steps to Protect Tourists and Destinations

indonesiatravelsport.com - The eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau has disrupted tourism activities across multiple regions. As volcanic ash spread to coastal areas of Banten, West Java, and Lampung, the Ministry of Tourism (Kemenpar) has initiated response protocols for affected travellers.

The Ministry of Tourism reminds visitors not to compromise on safety. Travellers in impacted zones are advised to limit outdoor activities and strictly observe the safe exclusion boundaries defined by authorised agencies.

"The Ministry of Tourism is maintaining continuous coordination with the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG), Volcanology and Geological Disaster Mitigation Centre (PVMBG), National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB), regional administrations of Banten and Lampung, as well as destination operators to monitor the impacts of this eruption," stated Ministry of Tourism Spokesperson Imam Priyono to ANTARA in Jakarta on Wednesday.

The ministry is working with accommodation providers, hotels in Banten, and facilities within airport buffer zones to activate official Force Majeure Standard Operating Procedures.

These protocols include provision of emergency waiting areas and flexible check-out extensions for travellers facing flight disruptions.

On location, the Ministry of Tourism is urging operators of coastal and high-risk tourist sites to confirm evacuation routes remain fully usable. Destination managers are instructed to clear volcanic ash from public amenities in compliance with the national Cleanliness, Health, Safety and Environmental Sustainability (CHSE) operational standards.

Additionally, site operators are required to run real-time air quality monitoring to track situational developments and inform decisions on tourism operations.

At this stage, the full economic impact of airport closures on the tourism sector cannot yet be calculated. The Ministry is still compiling and cross-verifying data together with regional governments, industry associations, and destination management teams.

Data being collected includes recorded occupancy drops for tourism facilities, operational suspensions for ash-affected attractions, and assessments of potential physical damage to tourism infrastructure near the eruption site.

"This data gathering process will be used to formulate formal post-disaster recovery measures," Imam confirmed.

This emergency response forms part of the Ministry of Tourism's wider program to strengthen tourist safety at volcanic destinations. This framework rests on three core pillars: destination and infrastructure development, physical hazard mitigation, and upskilling of tourism sector personnel.

For destination governance, the Ministry has implemented dynamic daily visitor quotas for all volcanic tourist sites, adjusted in real time according to the latest volcanic activity status issued by PVMBG / Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources.

The Ministry is also enforcing compliance requirements for operators to maintain emergency rescue facilities and dedicated safety monitoring posts at all critical access points.

Workforce readiness is being strengthened through the National Tourism Safety Training Program, rolled out across all 38 provinces. This training builds practical skills and hazard awareness for tourism staff, specifically for responding to emergency conditions at visitor sites.

These measures are considered critical given Indonesia's position as a leading global destination for special interest tourism, particularly hiking and volcano visits. Official records confirm Indonesia hosts 127 active volcanoes.

Travellers Advised To Monitor Official Updates Before Travel

Visitors located in areas affected by Anak Krakatau ash fall are urged to exercise heightened caution. Use of protective equipment and full compliance with official authority instructions are mandatory to ensure personal safety.

"Travellers in ash-impacted coastal zones across Banten, West Java and Lampung are advised to minimise outdoor activity, wear protective face masks and eye protection, and at all times remain within the authorised safe perimeter zones," Imam stated.

Travellers are also instructed to verify the latest official information prior to departure. Updates on destination conditions, access routes, accommodation status and transport operations must be checked via official channels both before travel and throughout the trip.

For activities at volcanic sites, only PVMBG / Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources and local regional governments hold authority to issue hazard status alerts and activity restrictions. All travellers and tour operators are required to use only these official recommendations as guidance.

"For this reason, the Ministry of Tourism urges all visitors and tour providers to comply fully with the official Disaster Prone Zone (KRB) boundaries established by authorities," he added.

The Ministry is further directing volcanic destination operators to temporarily close entry points and hiking trails whenever volcanic status is raised to hazardous level. Clear physical barricades and warning signage must be installed at all trailheads to prevent unauthorised entry into high risk areas.

Additionally, tour operators and guides working at adventure destinations are required to adhere to all applicable standard operating procedures. Audit and oversight measures will be enforced to confirm all operators and guides hold valid official certification.

For travellers, selecting only certified travel agents and registered guides is identified as a key safety measure. Visitors are also strongly advised to confirm up to date weather and site conditions before travelling to remote or adventure destinations.

Meanwhile, destination managers are instructed to implement ongoing technical mitigation measures including maintenance of activated evacuation routes, and regular clearing of volcanic ash from public facilities and visitor amenities.

Local Tourism Awareness Groups (Pokdarwis) may be mobilised for response operations at village tourist sites. Aside from distributing free protective masks, these groups will provide on-ground situational updates for visitors and assist with safe navigation guidance.